Portability for gadgets is a myth, especially if travel involves several days. More and more gadgets have rechargeable batteries, which require recharging gear. If you’re a blogger, or compulsive about your digital images, not only do you want your laptop along, you want all the cables and connectors that allow you to upload your data. So what’s a savvy traveler to do if they want to lug along all their toys?
There’s a lot to be said for standard batteries. Laura’s Nikon Coolpix 2600 takes AAA’s – my Nikon Coolpix S1 has a docking cradle. Even though my camera is much smaller, it’s going to have a larger footprint in my luggage. I could purchase additional batteries and keep them charged, but that would be quite expensive. One of the reviews for the S1 stated that the batteries would last for about 200 images. I’m assuming that means without reviewing the images on the LCD screen. I’m probably safe for this upcoming trip – it’s doubtful I’ll find 200 images at Myrtle Beach.
My Palm Tungsten C1 has a docking station for recharge, and if I had an IPod (which I don’t) it would require a docking station. Some of these devices do have portable quick-charge systems, but of course those require an additional investment, and most of these quick-charge units still have the bulky transformer block.
The upshot is that portability works as long as you don’t get too far from your base of operations. Other than that, you wind up lugging about as much gear as a less portable device.
You can plug the AC adapter directly into the camera, thus avoiding any need for the docking cradle of the S1…
Dave
This is true, as far as the S1 is concerned. However, the AC adapter still has that block that takes up space.